Springfield Armory is expanding the options available on their hammer-fired line of XD-E concealed carry pistols. The original gun had a 3.3-inch barrel (see our review of the 9mm pistol here). Now, for those of you who prefer the smaller grip’s concealability with a longer sight radius, SA’s adding two new 9mm models with 3.8 and 4.5-inch barrels.
Notice anything else that’s changed from the original pistol? Springfield’s axed that “GRIP ZONE” imprint on the handle for the new models (it’s still there in the images of the 3.3-inch 9mm and .45 ACP guns on their website).
Here’s their press release:
GENESEO, ILL. – Springfield Armory® is pleased to announce that the hammer fired XD-E pistol, already available in 3.3”, is now available with longer 3.8” and 4.5” barrels.
The XD-E takes the best elements of the Springfield Armory XD series and combines them into a double action-single action (DA/SA) pistol that’s perfect for concealed carry.
Combining the XD’s 1911 style grip angle into a sleek frame measuring just an inch wide, the slim profile is a comfortable fit that is ideal for everyday carry. The design features a Low-Effort-Slide that requires 27% less effort to cycle the slide when compared to leading striker-fired pistols in its category. The exposed hammer is also an excellent feature that adds peace of mind by clearly showing the mode of carry the firearm is in. The XD-E can be carried “cocked and locked” with the safety on, or with the hammer down and the safety on or off. The fully ambidextrous, dual manual safety and de-cocking system allows the user to safely lower the hammer without pulling the trigger.
3.8-inch Springfield XD-E (courtesy mfr)
The first double-action shot requires an intentional, longer and deliberate trigger pull for increased safety while carrying and drawing. After the first shot, the XD-E reverts to single-action operation, giving the operator a much lighter and crisper trigger break. The result is improved accuracy and faster, more controllable follow-up shots.
The Mod.2 grip texturing provides a secure fit in your hands, wet or dry.
Both new models carry 8 + 1 rounds of 9mm, and with the Magazine X-Tension™, the capacity increases to 9 +1. Even the flat-base concealment magazine offers a pinky extension that allows a full grip. These three magazine configurations let you further determine capacity, comfort, and concealability.
In 1794, the original Springfield Armory was designated as our national armory by General George Washington, and began manufacturing muskets for the defense of our young, free Republic. This monumental institution went on to serve as a think tank for developing innovative firearms concepts and producing some of the most storied rifle platforms in our country’s history. The Armory functioned as a firearms supplier for every major American conflict until 1968 when the government sadly closed its doors. In 1974, two centuries after its inception, Springfield Armory Inc. in Geneseo, IL revived the iconic heritage of the Armory to carry on its legacy and restore the Springfield Armory name.
Springfield Armory Inc. engineers, manufactures and assembles their high-quality 1911, 911, SAINT® AR-15 and legendary M1A™ lines of firearms in Geneseo, Illinois. Since 2001, Springfield Armory has enjoyed a strategic, collaborative partnership with the state-of-the-art factory in Croatia working hand-in-hand to develop and engineer the multiple award-winning line of XD® polymer pistols that have become staples in the US marketplace. We strive to honor this responsibility as guardians of the original Springfield Armory legacy by manufacturing the highest quality firearms to enable responsible citizens to preserve their right to keep and bear arms in the defense of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
With an unmatched emphasis on craftsmanship, performance and exceptional customer service, our mission is to forge superior firearms and provide the tools necessary to defend individual freedoms and equality for those who embrace the rights and principles secured by our Founding Fathers. For more information, please visit us at: springfield-armory.com.
I know you have to review these brands but I will never purchase a springfield or rock river again. They are traitors to the second amendment. They should fund the lawsuits when Illinois gun stores start closing due to state licensing requirements.
Bad news can go pretty far when you don’t research your talking points.
You may not like SA products but don’t spread false gossip when millions of people happily use their products and do so knowing SA has their back when it comes to the 2nd Amendment.
Every time the Truth About Guns does a truthy thing about Springfield the same people feel they have to tell us they hate Springfield. We get it. You will never buy a Springfield product again even if you would never have bought a Springfield product in the first place. How about this, why don’t you just ignore Springfield and just STFU?
Yep, more often than not, the comments go off in some other tangent rather than actually replying about the subject. Springfield or not.
Too often for me.
And no I don’t own a modern Springfield and probably never will.
They’re expressing dislike for the company, not the products (which are copies of other designs or imported from Croatia). By posting their dislike of the company, they are marching with signs in front of a store with bad practices. It’s not enough not to shop there — they must multiply their effort and let others know why not to shop there.
first XD i bought is the .45 service the week they came out. getting close to 2000 rds thru it thinks its 12 years now, 2 combat handgun claases putting a case thru it each time, never have had one problem of any kind, its stock factory original like the day i bought it.
liked it so much got the XD in .45 for more discreet carry, then the XDe in .45.
cant say how many rounds thru the three weapons, be better than 3000 total thinking of how many cases ive used up.
thing is, cant argue with relibility. to date not a single FTF, stove pipe, even misfire. big fat zero. sure gives me confidence ive got a trustworthy weapon on my belt to protect family and hearth.
what more do you need for a weapon?
ps, the XDS is pretty cool, love its grips and balance, the XDe though its more civilized with a hammer and 3 carry options. got a few boxes of Atomic 180 grn hollowpoints, fed excellent thru all three, now use those hot little pills in a three XD’s. they hit my steel plates way harder than any other self defense rds ive tried. suppose to be 1100fps out of a 4 inch barrel. the XDs seem like take the hi power rds just fine.
the .45 XD service is still my favorite. got the 3 rd mag extensions, 17 rds of .45 makes for a lot of lead.
we got consteetootoinal carry in WV now, and everyone carried regardless before, so a big ol hogs legs printing under your shirt is not the issue it was prior to Con Carry.
really, the XD’s are decent reliable pistols, very well made.
Have a 3.3″ XDs .45 that I really liked, until it started light-striking primers. Springfield was of zero help. Then the crap in Illinois? Forget them, in the corporate file with Dick’s. Too bad, I bet the hammer-fired XDe was to address their crappy striker system….and I am an FFL dealer who will never carry or endorse their products. ESAD Springfield.
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But…if the GRIP ZONE is no longer labeled, how will we know how to grip the pistol? This is madness! Anarchy!
That’s right. How are we supposed to know where the zone is?
I was hoping the mag would be labeled LOADING ZONE, the sights would say AIMING ZONE and the chamber would be the BANG ZONE…
I bet if you were at the range with a Nancy Pelosi paper practice target hanging out there, you’d get in the zone just FINE!
Meh… this would be nice if only they had made the bore axis higher. Give me a defensive pistol with an 8” bore axis and I’ll be happy!
(Do I really need a /sarc tag?)
https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2814785-former-lsu-ol-matt-branch-lost-leg-in-hunting-accident-friend-says-dog-shot-him?utm_source=cnn.com&utm_campaign=editorial&utm_medium=referral
seems the dog clicked off the safety and then pulled the trigger.
I know you have to review these brands but I will never purchase a springfield or rock river again. They are traitors to the second amendment. They should fund the lawsuits when Illinois gun stores start closing due to state licensing requirements.
Never forget.
Better avoid S&W as they still put Clinton locks on revolvers.
You should probably get your facts straight before boycotting.
https://bearingarms.com/bob-o/2017/05/01/springfield-armory-rock-river-arms-oppose-gun-dealer-licensing-act/
Bad news can go pretty far when you don’t research your talking points.
You may not like SA products but don’t spread false gossip when millions of people happily use their products and do so knowing SA has their back when it comes to the 2nd Amendment.
This appears to be a decent firearm for the price, however given it or a Taurus I’d probably choose the Taurus.
No gripzone???? Not interested
I could find a home for the 3.8 if I picked it up cheap enough. Even living like an animal without a GRIP ZONE.
YAWN!!!!!
Give me a GRIP ZONE or give me death!
Springfield = Nope
Every time the Truth About Guns does a truthy thing about Springfield the same people feel they have to tell us they hate Springfield. We get it. You will never buy a Springfield product again even if you would never have bought a Springfield product in the first place. How about this, why don’t you just ignore Springfield and just STFU?
Yep, more often than not, the comments go off in some other tangent rather than actually replying about the subject. Springfield or not.
Too often for me.
And no I don’t own a modern Springfield and probably never will.
No…..Springfield deserves this…..so no one forgets.
If you are young enough, you may get over it.
Or just don’t read Springfield articles and you won’t have wade through the hate.
They’re expressing dislike for the company, not the products (which are copies of other designs or imported from Croatia). By posting their dislike of the company, they are marching with signs in front of a store with bad practices. It’s not enough not to shop there — they must multiply their effort and let others know why not to shop there.
I am annoyed enough by their comments to buy a Springfield to spite them.
first XD i bought is the .45 service the week they came out. getting close to 2000 rds thru it thinks its 12 years now, 2 combat handgun claases putting a case thru it each time, never have had one problem of any kind, its stock factory original like the day i bought it.
liked it so much got the XD in .45 for more discreet carry, then the XDe in .45.
cant say how many rounds thru the three weapons, be better than 3000 total thinking of how many cases ive used up.
thing is, cant argue with relibility. to date not a single FTF, stove pipe, even misfire. big fat zero. sure gives me confidence ive got a trustworthy weapon on my belt to protect family and hearth.
what more do you need for a weapon?
ps, the XDS is pretty cool, love its grips and balance, the XDe though its more civilized with a hammer and 3 carry options. got a few boxes of Atomic 180 grn hollowpoints, fed excellent thru all three, now use those hot little pills in a three XD’s. they hit my steel plates way harder than any other self defense rds ive tried. suppose to be 1100fps out of a 4 inch barrel. the XDs seem like take the hi power rds just fine.
the .45 XD service is still my favorite. got the 3 rd mag extensions, 17 rds of .45 makes for a lot of lead.
we got consteetootoinal carry in WV now, and everyone carried regardless before, so a big ol hogs legs printing under your shirt is not the issue it was prior to Con Carry.
really, the XD’s are decent reliable pistols, very well made.
When the make this or the XDs in a 4.5 inch 10mm, I’ll jump. I need a thin, easy carrying hunting companion.
I already have a XDs in 9mm. Love that little gun
What is this?
Is it DA/SA? SAO?
Have a 3.3″ XDs .45 that I really liked, until it started light-striking primers. Springfield was of zero help. Then the crap in Illinois? Forget them, in the corporate file with Dick’s. Too bad, I bet the hammer-fired XDe was to address their crappy striker system….and I am an FFL dealer who will never carry or endorse their products. ESAD Springfield.
Just picked up a XDE 3.8, and all I can say is WOW! This little gem is a real tack driver. Dead bang accurate!